Completion day process

diska

Finally looks a completion date is looming for our house purchase!

As we are in a contract free rented property we plan to move a few days after completion.

I'm wondering on completion day itself how much involvement is needed from both me and my partner? Obvious is picking up the keys from the sellers estate agent. Anything else we need to be free on the day itself to do?

Just trying to weigh up if only one of us needs to take the day off for completion day to save annual leave for the other for the moving day.

Ivana_Tinkle

The only thing you should need to do is pick up the keys. Don't take the day off unless you're actually moving that day. Chances are it won't happen until at least lunchtime so you'll spend the whole morning pacing the floor and worrying! It's much better to go to work as usual and try not to think about it too much.

GenD

As Ivana said, you don't need to actually DO anything - your solicitor will handle the purchase, and will simply inform you when it's done. Just make sure you're contactable by phone/email so you get the message and know the house is yours!
Personally I would try and get the keys and at least have a quick look inside before 5pm when all the estate agents and solicitors close, just in case there are any issues you want to raise, but this isn't a necessity, just something I would prefer.

SternMusik

Once you have got the keys it is a good idea to take meter readings for all the utilities. Take photos of the meters if possible. Then inform the gas, electricity and water providers that you are the new owners and provide them with the meter readings so they can set up your accounts. (This last bit you don't have to do on completion day though. A few days later should be fine.)

diska

Thanks all, my partner is planning to take a week off with her annual leave backlog, so she'll be on hand to pick up keys on completion, do a quick check on property and do readings.

Unfortunately I'm less lucky with remaining annual leave and potentially may have to do a work client visit on exchange day which as you say, may be better than waiting around all day!

Riggster

In my experience.

1. Wait for the phone call from your solicitor saying the deed is done.
2. Leg it to the Estate Agents to collect the key.
3. Kick off when the Estate Agents say they're not sure where the key is.
4. Very quickly be given the key.
5. Enter your new house, run around a bit and get over-excited.
6. Remember the sensible things like taking meter readings.
7. Head to B&Q and buy all colours of (ultimately unsuitable) paint tester pots.
8. Crack open a bottle of wine.

:beer:

SternMusik

Riggster wrote: »

In my experience.

1. Wait for the phone call from your solicitor saying the deed is done.
2. Leg it to the Estate Agents to collect the key.
3. Kick off when the Estate Agents say they're not sure where the key is.
4. Very quickly be given the key.
5. Enter your new house, run around a bit and get over-excited.
6. Remember the sensible things like taking meter readings.
7. Head to B&Q and buy all colours of (ultimately unsuitable) paint tester pots.
8. Crack open a bottle of wine.

:beer:

Sounds about right I would add changing the barrels of the locks in front and back door. It is in most cases a very simple DIY job, and you'll have peace of mind.

Re point 7.: Agree. Don't go overboard though. I have at least 30 paint tester pots in the garage, and I've only painted a single room in the house

outdoorcjc

A timely post thank you. I'm completing tomorrow and have been wondering what I need to do, not moving till Thursday so have the morning at work and the afternoon to run round the house all excited and drink champagne!

I just have everything crossed that it goes okay and the money doesn't get lost or something. Have warned everyone at work that I will be pacing the office till I get the phone call!!